Easiest & Best way to start a business and live there?

CatMeow

Hi i wonder if anyone can help, i have a friend who is willing to sell me half of his rather large garden to start a Cattery business, its in a ideal location and something ive always wanted to do. The thing is i would like to be on site 24/7 to look after the cats for security. So I would like to put up a log cabin to stay in and keep an eye on the feline friends.
Can someone point me in the right direction for the best and easiest course of action to take? My friend if i twist his arm may possibly build the cabin and or the cattery before selling the land to me, if this makes it more viable. I have no idea where to start so anyone with more knowledge then me with any advice would be greatly appreciated, before i sell my house and go 'all in!'

Cathy

lincroft1710

First stop is your council's planning department to submit plans for approval and I think you'll need a licence for the cattery.

Dependent on a number of factors planning permission and licence may or may not be granted.

princeofpounds

Like so many things in this country, planning is the big obstacle.


Between you and your friend, you need to decide who wants to take the planning risk.


The land is likely worth much more with planning for a business that includes housing than without.


So, you can either buy it (or buy an option to buy) as garden land, and then apply yourself. Or you (or your friend, or together) can apply for the outline planning permission and then you can buy it as developable land, for a higher price, once you know you will be able to go ahead.

CatMeow

Thank you very much for the rapid responses! Would it be a idea to build a log cabin within the guide lines would require no planning permission and just apply for planning for the business 1st? Once that's obtained do the residential application afterwards? Due to the nature of the business (animals) and the fact there's a log cabin already there it may be easier to obtain residential status that way?
Or would it be better to do together?

elverson

You will need an "ABEL" - https://www.gov.uk/animal-boarding-establishment-licence

CatMeow

What do you mean 'buy an option to buy'?

RAS

CatMeow wrote: »

Thank you very much for the rapid responses! Would it be a idea to build a log cabin within the guide lines would require no planning permission and just apply for planning for the business 1st? Once that's obtained do the residential application afterwards? Due to the nature of the business (animals) and the fact there's a log cabin already there it may be easier to obtain residential status that way?
Or would it be better to do together?

Check that out.

Based on a previous thread here, the minute you use one of these as non-ancillary accommodation you need full residential planning permission.

So the grand kids can sleep over occasionally but if you install a kitchen you are in different territory.

sheramber

CatMeow wrote: »

Hi i wonder if anyone can help, i have a friend who is willing to sell me half of his rather large garden to start a Cattery business, its in a ideal location and something ive always wanted to do. The thing is i would like to be on site 24/7 to look after the cats for security. So I would like to put up a log cabin to stay in and keep an eye on the feline friends.
Can someone point me in the right direction for the best and easiest course of action to take? My friend if i twist his arm may possibly build the cabin and or the cattery before selling the land to me, if this makes it more viable. I have no idea where to start so anyone with more knowledge then me with any advice would be greatly appreciated, before i sell my house and go 'all in!'

Cathy

Have you checked your council's licensing requirements?
You may find that the licence requires someone to be present on site at all times with a late night check being made.

Who will provide that if you do not have accommodation there?

CatMeow

Thanks Ras, If there's a structure already in place will planning permission be more viable?

CatMeow

Thanks sheramber, I'm in the process of looking at the requirements.

davidmcn

CatMeow wrote: »

Thanks Ras, If there's a structure already in place will planning permission be more viable?

It's more likely to be the use which is tricky. Are you sure it is an ideal location from a planning point of view? e.g. a lack of residential neighbours likely to complain about visitors and meowing?